Aquino’s speech ‘very credible’—Estrada

Photo by Romy Homillada

MANILA, Philippines—Former president Joseph Ejercito “Erap” Estrada said that President Benigno Aquino annual national address on Monday was a credible one and showed his zeal in mapping out reforms for the country.

“Very credible,” he said when asked by reporters after Aquino gave his speech.

He lauded Aquino for the positive gains achieved by the country, giving Aquino a rating of 80 percent.

When asked about his opinion to Aquino still making blames on the past administration, he said, “Well hindi nawawala sa democracy ‘yon eh. Sa  dami ng iniwan ng nine-and-a-half years ng past administration, eh talagang mahihirapan eh.  Ganon pa man eh masipag at ginagawan niya ng paraan.”

Estrada also said he was in support of Aquino’s stand to not “forgive and forget”, saying it was a crime to the Filipino people to do that.

“Halimbawa ‘yong number one importer tayo ng bigas ang tinutulungan natin ‘yong magsasaka ng ibang bansa tsaka ‘yong naghihirap ninanakawan pa ng fertilizer,” Estrada said.

He said he was also one with Aquino in pushing for the Reproductive Health Bill as the solution to classroom shortages.

“Sa akin in my own honest opinion RH bill ang solusyon sa classroom shortage, isa sa mga solution,” Estrada said.

Estrada said that he hoped that Aquino would fulfil his promise to put an end to the disputes with the Moro Islamic and Liberation Front (MILF).

“What kind of government do we have if we cannot enforce our own laws in our own land,” he said.